Misan Harriman Steps Down as Southbank Centre Chair After Right-Wing Smear Campaign

This autumn, Misan Harriman will resign from his position as chair of London's Southbank Centre, a choice he made prior to a right-wing media backlash. Harriman, who has been at the helm since 2021, shared on Instagram that he would not pursue a third term before the criticism began in May. The uproar stemmed from his remarks regarding an attack on April 29 in Golders Green, where Essa Suleiman allegedly stabbed two Jewish men and Ishmail Hussein. Harriman's critique of the media's emphasis on the Jewish victims led to claims of conspiracy theory promotion. The UK Independent Press Standards Organisation received over 100,000 complaints, and more than 33,000 people signed a petition against the smear campaign. The Southbank Centre is preparing for his succession.